From Auckland: Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour With Lunch

New Zealand’s natural wonders and cinematic landscapes are the focal point of this comprehensive bus tour from Auckland. Discover the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll glide through an underground grotto illuminated by thousands of luminescent creatures. Then, step into the fantastical world of Hobbiton, the iconic movie set that brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to life. With a guided tour and a picnic lunch included, this immersive experience promises to transport you to the heart of Middle-earth. But the true magic lies in what awaits beyond the tour’s itinerary…

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Auckland.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour from Auckland exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set, with guided experiences and transportation provided.
• Includes a 45-minute boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto and a 3-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, showcasing iconic locations.
• Priced at $250.17 per person, with a high overall rating of 4.7/5 from past travelers.
• Offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Total tour duration of 11.5 hours, with a picnic lunch included to refuel during the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two of New Zealand’s iconic destinations, combining the captivating Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set.

Departing from Auckland, the 11.5-hour tour provides a seamless experience, with transportation, guides, and key inclusions like a boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto and a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

At a price from $250.17 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended. Travelers can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

With an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5, this tour is a must for those seeking to enjoy New Zealand’s natural and cinematic wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour commences with bus/coach travel from 100 Hobson Street in Auckland to the renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a journey spanning 2.75 hours.

Upon arrival, travelers embark on a guided tour of the Waitomo region, including a special 45-minute boat trip through the mesmerizing Glowworm Grotto.

After the Waitomo experience, the group boards the coach once more for a 105-minute drive to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set.

Here, they’ll enjoy a comprehensive 3-hour guided tour, exploring the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.

The tour concludes with a 2.25-hour bus/coach ride back to the starting point at 100 Hobson Street.

Included Amenities

From the guided tours of Waitomo and Hobbiton, the tour includes several amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Transportation by premium air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, as well as the services of a knowledgeable driver/guide, are provided throughout the journey.

The tour includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where visitors can marvel at the stunning natural wonder of the glowworm grotto.

The 2-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set allows guests to explore the iconic Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree, immersing them in the enchanting world of Middle-earth.

A picnic lunch is also included, though additional food and drinks aren’t covered.

Customer Experience

Based on the provided information, travelers consistently rate the overall tour experience highly, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars across 506 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and well-organized nature of the tours, with the driver/guide and service receiving average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

While most feedback is positive, some travelers have provided suggestions for improvement, such as allowing more time at the Green Dragon Inn and offering a buffet lunch instead of a picnic.

Plus, a few reviewers mentioned the need for clearer communication on departure times to avoid confusion.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Traveler Feedback

Overwhelmingly, travelers praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides and well-organized nature, with many highlighting the excellent service provided by staff like Rachael. Reviewers appreciate the smooth transportation and overall efficient operation of the tour.

However, some suggest improvements, such as:

• Allowing more time to explore the Green Dragon Inn and having a buffet lunch instead of a picnic

• Adding additional cave visits in Waitomo to the itinerary

• Providing clearer departure time information to avoid confusion

Despite these minor suggestions, the vast majority of travelers rate their experience highly, expressing satisfaction with the iconic Hobbiton set and the breathtaking Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Booking Information

Booking the Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour is straightforward, as travelers can select the desired participants and date to check availability on the tour’s website.

The meeting point for the tour is provided on Google Maps, making it easy for guests to find the starting location of 100 Hobson Street.

This popular tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve a spot early.

The tour offers a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, which allows travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can get a full refund if their plans change.

Tour Duration

The Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour lasts an impressive 11.5 hours, providing ample time for travelers to explore the captivating landscapes and iconic movie locations featured on the itinerary. This comprehensive tour takes visitors on a journey through the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, with convenient bus/coach transportation between the sites.

Along the way, guests can:

• Immerse themselves in the magical world of the Glowworm Grotto with a special boat trip.

• Discover the charming Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, and Party Tree at the Hobbiton Movie Set.

• Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch to refuel during the day.

• Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable driver/guides.

• Appreciate the convenience of round-trip transportation from Auckland.

Tour Price

At a price starting from $250.17 per person, the Waitomo & Hobbiton Bus Tour offers an immersive experience that encompasses the captivating Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the renowned Hobbiton Movie Set.

This full-day tour, lasting 11.5 hours, provides transportation, guided tours, and a picnic lunch, making it a convenient and value-packed option for visitors.

While the price may seem high, the tour’s inclusions and the opportunity to explore two of New Zealand’s top attractions make it a worthwhile investment.

Travelers should note that the tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure their spot.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the tour offers flexibility for those needing to adjust their plans.

Recap

This comprehensive tour from Auckland takes visitors on a magical journey through New Zealand’s natural wonders and iconic movie locations.

With a guided boat ride through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and an in-depth exploration of the Hobbiton Movie Set, travelers can enjoy the enchanting landscapes that inspired the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

The included picnic lunch and round-trip transportation make this an unforgettable day trip from Auckland.

You can check if your dates are available here: